By Carol Berlin, MD
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States with nearly half of Americans ages 18 to 59 infected and about half of new infections occurring among those ages 15 to 24 years old. Usually, HPV infection clears on its own and causes no health problems. However, data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey from 2013-2014 found that certain strains of the virus with the greatest cancer risks (high risk HPV) infected 25 percent of men and 20 percent of women. Those who develop a persistent high-risk HPV infection face a greater chance of developing certain cancers. Two vaccines (Gardasil and Gardasil 9) are currently available in the US for preventing HPV infection. The vaccines offer the greatest protection when given to girls and boys before sexual activity occurs. Young adults and parents of pre-teens and adolescents should consider vaccination for HPV to decrease the risk of certain cancers and genital warts.